Condom Vending Machines Won't Be Allowed In MD Schools After Bill Dies

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A bill that would've decriminalized condom and contraceptive vending machines in Maryland schools from nurseries through 12th grade died recently.

The bill faced an uphill battle after the conservative Maryland Freedom Caucus dubbed the legislation "Condoms for Kindergartners" and "Condoms for Kiddies." Supporters think those nicknames were misleading and reduced the legislation's chances of passing.

The now-defeated House Bill 380 mirrored 2023 legislation that allowed contraceptive vending machines on college campuses, Maryland Matters reported.

This year's proposal didn't require the vending machines in all schools, but it would've removed the misdemeanor charge and $1,000 fine for those who installed them.

“This is a huge win for Maryland families,” Maryland Freedom Caucus Vice Chair Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County) said in a Friday press release. “The Maryland Freedom Caucus led the charge in exposing the radical nature of HB380, and today’s vote proves that even members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee couldn’t defend it. Maryland parents have spoken, and lawmakers were forced to listen.”

The bill passed the House of Delegates by an 89-41 vote in late February. Maryland Matters said the vote mostly followed party lines.

The legislation then headed to the Senate, where the Judicial Proceedings Committee unanimously gave it an unfavorable report on Friday, blocking it from proceeding any further.

“This bill is simply decriminalizing access to contraception. That’s all the bill does. It does not dictate any type of policy as it relates to vending machines and any of our schools or preschools or day care centers,” bill sponsor Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince George's County) told Maryland Matters, adding that “It’s a bit disappointing, not to have at least have had the conversation on the Senate side about the need for making sure that everyone in the state of Maryland has access to contraceptives.”

To learn more about the debate over contraception in schools, read Maryland Matters' story.